TV Size

[Willypill]

I'm about to get started on my cab, and I need to buy a TV first.  I'm debating on what size to buy.  I'm either going to go with the 25" or the 27".  For some reason the 27" TVs seem like they might be too big.  Which size would you guys recommend.  Maybe the 27" wouldn't look that big once I got it in the cab.  Hmmm...

[Mugzilla]

Before the experts chime in, do you think I can get away with a 32" tv in my cab?

[Willypill]

Are you making fun of me?  

Surely someone can answer this question...

[pointdablame]

To Mugzilla... you can "get away with" whatever size TV you want, assuming you alter your plans to fit the thing.  I would think 32" is way too big to be that close, but if you like it, it can be done.  If you are converting a cab, than more than likely, no, it wont fit.... unless you have a showcase cab or some other large screen cab of course.


As for 25 or 27, a lot of people around here have used both.  I think 25" is a nice size, I have a 25" arcade monitor in my Xmen and it's not overly big where I have to look right to left very often.  I don't think the extra size would be tooooooo big a difference, but it is something to think about.   You'll be looking left to right more on a bigger screen, so if that bothers you, or your favorite games need you to see the whole screen at once, you may want the smaller screen.

[SpamMe]

Said this in another thread:

I have a 27" in my cab, and I think it's a bit big for a number of games. Sure, it looks great but it's difficult keeping track of everything that's going on onscreen at once (most noticable in robotron, so far). Though it's nice for vertical games, if I build another, I'll make it 25" instead.

Just my $.02

[MonitorGuru]

I wouldn't go over 25.  If you figure out the diagonal size of a vertical game playing with borders, it ends up being excatly 19" diagnonal, meaning you get the best of both worlds:

You can play normal horizontal games at full 25", and since more of the later ones were horizontal and 25" you're matched, you're only making the classics a bit bigger.  And you can play all vertical games with 19" diagonals, again, the size most vertical games were.

I'd concur about anything larger is too big..hard to see the whole screen at once, unless you put it away from you.

Nice thing about 25" ones is that most are still curved tubes instead of flat square, so they look more like the originals as well there too!

[paigeoliver]

If you MUST use a tv then I suggest going for a 25" curved tube model for the sheer reason that you will be able to find an arcade frame for it easily if you do a bit of calling around to operators and local collectors.

You can transplant a TV set into an arcade monitor frame with ease, which will allow for super easy installation.

Also, since TVs don't have as good of a picture as arcade monitors you have to stay further away from them. My Candy cab has a 29" arcade monitor that is RIGHT THERE in front of you, and it is fine. Get that close to a 27" tv though and you'll get a headache.

[Mugzilla]

Are you making fun of me?  

No, I was not making fun of you. I had the same qusetion, but in a different direction. I saw a great buy @ Circuit City on a TV w/ Component inputs that is 32". I COULD buy the s-video capable one (Which stays on s-vid when powered on-off) but did not know if anyone has built a cab with that big of a TV.

[Willypill]

Are you making fun of me?  

I COULD buy the s-video capable one (Which stays on s-vid when powered on-off) but did not know if anyone has built a cab with that big of a TV.

Whoa, what?  I have to find a TV that stays on s-video when powered on and off?  I didn't know they made them any other way.

[GGKoul]

I have a 27" Zenith TV in mine connecting via the S-Video.  Also have PS2, Xbox, Genesis, Dreamcast connect via a multi-switch and watch normal TV when in between games.  Something you can't do with an Arcade Monitor.

If you plan on getting a TV, make sure the speakers are below or above the TV Screen.  As the speakers on the sides take up an additional 2 - 3 inches on each side.

[blueoakleyz]

ok but what about depth?

27" or even 25" tv's are extremely deep (going from front to back i mean), is there enough clearance in any one arcade cabinet meant to fit a 25" arcade monitor?

I'm worried I'd have to make my cabinet deeper than it needs to be.

When you install the TV do you just put it on the shelf and voila?

[tshizzle.com]

I went with a 20" TV, stays on S-Vid when powered on/off.  Just power up and BAM , arcade action =)